Root Canal Retreatment span class="small">in Smyrna and East Point, GA

Young woman holding her mouth in pain

Please note we may not offer this service. This page is for educational purposes. Contact our Smyrna office at 770-433-1515 or our East Point location at 404-766-8559 to inquire further. 

Painless Root Canal Retreatment Near You

If you’ve had a root canal procedure before, you may be wondering why you need to undergo the same process again. If you experience symptoms such as persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, or signs of infection, you may need a root canal or retreatment to address these issues.

If you’re dealing with severe pain after root canal therapy, contact our Smyrna & East Point, GA dentist today by calling our Smyrna dental office at 770-433-1515 or our East Point location at 404-766-8559 to schedule an appointment.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Jarrett Manning

Business mogul Dr. Jarrett L. Manning is an accredited dentist, natural hair and style maven, business and relationship coach, and 3x best-selling author. She is among the country’s most well-known and respected dentists.

Dr. Jarrett also has a passion for mentoring girls, and because of this passion, she started Beyond Her Smile, a non-profit organization that advances positivity among young girls and exposes them to STEAM-based careers.

Couple smiling

What Is Endodontic Retreatment?

Root canal retreatment occurs when a previous root canal treatment fails. As a form of endodontic therapy, root canal retreatment is aimed at saving a diseased tooth by addressing issues that were not resolved or have recurred after the initial procedure. It’s important to understand that root canals aren’t perfect procedures, and there are instances when complications arise even after the first root canal.

If a root canal infection is left untreated inside the tooth, it can lead to further complications such as abscesses or infection spreading to the surrounding bone. During the procedure, the pulp is removed from inside the tooth to eliminate infection and prevent further damage. Root canals remove the infected pulp while preserving the structure of the tooth. If a patient experiences recurring pain in a previously treated tooth, bacteria may have re-entered the tooth’s pulp, requiring retreatment.

Root Canal Retreatment Benefits

Patients may experience various benefits from root canal retreatment, including:

  • Pain relief
  • Tooth preservation
  • A functioning natural tooth
  • Cost-effective
  • Prevent the spread of infection
  • Improved appearance
  • Improved oral health
  • Correction of prior treatment issues

Successful root canal retreatment is associated with favorable endodontic treatment outcomes, such as long-term tooth retention and restored function.

Why Get Root Canal Retreatment?

There are various reasons why you may require root canal retreatment:

  1. Initial Treatment Complications: A primary cause for root canal retreatment is when issues arise from the initial endodontic treatment. This can occur if deep decay or a deep cavity was not fully addressed, or if there were complex anatomies within the tooth that weren’t managed during the first procedure. The dentist may have missed one of the canals within the tooth, or pulp remnants may be left behind, leading to recurring pain or infection.
  2. Dental fractures or Cracks: These can allow bacteria to enter and infect the tooth again. Delayed placement of crowns or restorations can also leave teeth exposed to bacteria that can weaken them over time, leading to more severe complications down the road.
  3. New Damage or Infections: Teeth undergo constant wear and tear throughout our lifetime, which means they’re susceptible to new damage or decay even after an initial root canal treatment. New cavities around existing fillings, periodontal disease, infections from gum disease, or external trauma can all lead to a re-infection of the tooth. An untreated infection can also affect adjacent teeth, making comprehensive care important.

If you’ve experienced any of the above conditions, contact our dentist in Smyrna & East Point, GA as soon as possible.

The Root Canal Retreatment Process

Retreatment of a previously treated tooth is a dental procedure that may be necessary due to different factors such as narrow or curved root canals, complicated canal anatomy, salivary contamination, or undetected canal anatomy. Root canal procedures and root canal treatments are commonly performed to save teeth and restore their function.

The following steps are involved in a typical root canal retreatment procedure:

  1. Examination: The dentist will examine the tooth and the surrounding area to determine whether retreatment is necessary.
  2. Radiographs: X-rays may be taken to examine the tooth’s roots and the extent of any infection.
  3. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the tooth and the surrounding area.
  4. Isolation: A rubber-like sheet called a dental dam is placed to isolate the tooth and keep it dry during the procedure.
  5. Access Opening: The endodontist makes an opening through the enamel and dentin to access the inside of the tooth.
  6. Removal of Filling Material and Infected Tissue: The endodontist removes the previous canal filling and any infected tissue, including nerve tissue, blood vessels, and vessels and connective tissue from the pulp chamber and canals, to eliminate bacteria and prevent further infection.
  7. Cleaning and Shaping of Canals: The canals, which extend to the tooth root, are thoroughly cleaned and shaped. The goal is to eliminate bacteria from the canals and prepare them for canal filling using root canal filling material.
  8. Filling of Canals: The cleaned and shaped canals are then permanently filled with a biocompatible root canal filling material, such as gutta-percha, and sealed with cement to prevent reinfection.
  9. Restoration: Depending on the extent of decay or damage before and after the retreatment procedure, your dentist may place a new crown, such as a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, or other restoration on top of your tooth to protect it and restore function and appearance. Restoration options are chosen to match other teeth in terms of both function and aesthetics.
Dental checkup

Post Root Canal Retreatment Care and Measures

After undergoing root canal retreatment, it’s crucial to take care of your treated tooth to ensure a successful recovery. You may experience some discomfort and sensitivity in the area for a few days following the procedure, but this should subside gradually. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions closely to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.

  • Avoid chewing with the treated tooth until it has been fully restored with a permanent filling or crown. 
  • Avoid hard or sticky foods to prevent damage to the treated tooth. 
  • Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. 
  • If you experience any pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but be sure to consult with your dentist before taking any medication.

It’s also essential to attend all follow-up appointments with your endodontist or general dentist to monitor your progress. They may recommend additional procedures such as a dental crown or other restorations to protect the treated tooth from further damage and ensure its longevity.

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